Rollinsford board to vote on partner school district: Could send students to Dover or Marshwood

Monday

Oct 15, 2012 at 3:15 AMOct 15, 2012 at 9:53 AM

By Oliver Jenkinsojenkins@fosters.com

ROLLINSFORD — The Rollinsford Withdrawal Committee is expected to vote on a partner school district during a public session Tuesday at 7 p.m.“This is probably the most important decision I'll make as an elected official,” Chairman Patrick Carroll said. “It's important every single person has an opportunity to talk during the meeting — and we won't end until that happens.”On Tuesday, Oct. 2, the Rollinsford School District voted it was both “feasible and suitable” for the district to withdraw from Somersworth, opening the door for the community to pick either a new partner district or remain with SAU 56.As Carroll explained, Tuesday's meeting — which will be the Withdrawal Committee's last — will culminate in a final vote between the Dover, Marshwood or Somersworth school districts. Although it's a big step in the overall process, Tuesday's vote is far from final.Rollinsford must next submit a plan to the New Hampshire Department of Education by Nov. 2 outlining how the new agreement would work. In January, the Department of Education will either approve, decline, or amend Rollinsford's plan. If the decision is passed, a final vote by Rollinsford residents in March would be the agreement's final hurdle. An official contract would then be drawn up by both sides.The Department of Education will also examine how an agreement — if Rollinsford chooses to leave SAU 56 — would impact Somersworth students. SAU 56 is expected to lose approximately $1.5 million if Rollinsford leaves.“The budget will need an ax, not a scalpel, if these kids leave,” Somersworth School Board secretary Matthew Hanlon said during a meeting on Sept. 25. Hanlon and School Board member Dana Rivers represent Somersworth in the Withdrawal Committee's seven-member team. SAU 56 Superintendent Jeni Mosca is also a member of the committee but does not vote.“I would encourage Rollinsford residents to attend Tuesday's meeting,” Rivers said. “Their input is very important.”Rollinsford would not begin sending students to a new partner district, if they choose one, until September 2015.“I've really seen this town come together,” Carroll said. “I'm excited to see what people have to say on Tuesday.”